Here I post about all things fantasy and give tips on writing a book based on my experience. My three main books form a trilogy called the Prophecy of the Kings, a Gold Award Winning book, and I've also written Drachar's Demons. Happy to chat so please feel free to comment on any of my blogs. Good reading - David

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Friday, 18 September 2015

Does Fantasy Artwork Need to be so Damn Sexy?

For me fantasy is about heroes and villains, good against evil. Yet fantasy artwork is all about scantily clad women in very small and ill-fitting armour. Not that that is a bad thing and there is some very fine artwork in this vein. Boris Vallejo is a good example of this and I have to admit this video is very watchable.

I use artwork for inspiration and female characterisation is a distraction (for obvious reasons) rather than an inspiration. Yet many authors have written tales of beautiful women being rescued by some hero so clearly gorgeous, voluptuous women is a key to many tales, otherwise they might not be rescued. (Shrek being a notable exception :) ).

Today's fantasy seems to turn that on its head and an author needs to have as many female leads as male. Certainly many of the fantasy artwork depict Amazons with spears and swords who seem vary capable warriors.

Myself, I still like artwork that inspires and the Tolkien artwork below does just that (and not a naked woman in sight).

Legacy of the Eldric

Shadow of the Demon

David Burrows Bio

Hi all. I’m an avid reader of fantasy and count Tolkien, Irvine, Goodkind and
Rowling amongst my favourites. I am also keen on Saxon/Viking re-enactment
where I learned the brutal reality of fighting in a shield wall. I can tell you
it hurts and have cracked fingers and ribs on several occasions. That might
just be me being a clumsy fighter! Not sure - and I certainly hope that’s not
the case. :)

Writing has become my main hobby. I am a self published
author. This is not an easy route and I have come across many pitfalls along
the way. I’ve written a fantasy trilogy The Prophecy of the Kings, which
comprises Legacy of the Eldric, Dragon Rider and Shadow of the Demon - sample
chapters and reviews can be found on my website.That is the beauty of self publishing - I can
show you my work to let you decide if it’s for you. I have just written
Drachar’s Demons which I thoroughly enjoyed writing. I had help from Earmie, a
close friend - but living an ocean away. She has a terrific grasp of English
and helps me to fill in the gaps.

My work is getting some really excellent reviews. I think my books
will definitely appeal to core fantasy readers. In some reviews, Prophecy of
the Kings is being described as traditional fantasy. I guess that’s in a
similar vein to the Lord of the Rings. I’m not claiming it’s anywhere near as
good! I am a Tolkien fan through and through and he is definitely my
inspiration. Reviews are saying my work is different to his and the characters
and world I have created are unique to me.

The plot is complicated, but the books generally are
described as easy to read. Some reviewers want more in the way of character
development, although some reviewers really like my characters and are content
as is. I do enjoy hearing other people’s interpretations about my characters,
so not giving too much away is good sometimes.

Being self published, I rely on word of mouth, so if you
enjoyed my books please, please spread the word - on Amazon, Facebook, Twitter
or all of these! I need fans so join me and please spread the word.

My interest in fantasy started with Princess of Mars, The
Lord of the Rings. And probably Dune next! Motivated by LOTR I put pen to
paper, determined to create a story with bold characters and an intriguing
plot. The book's initial scene was a betrayal set deep in the heart of a
mountain. Encouraged by my friends, I started writing The Prophecy of the Kings
in the months during my wife’s pregnancy with the first of my two terrific
sons.

As with most aspiring authors, writing is part time, with
the plots progressing in the evenings and holidays. At times the PotK tale
seemed to naturally take the characters into extreme peril, and for months I
was left wondering as to their fate. Refusing to rewrite the tale to rescue
them I patiently waited before inspiration struck and the story continued at a
fast pace to the next cliff-hanger. Suffice to say my sons have now grown up
and, as the quill dries, are of an age to read and appreciate this work. As to
the characters in my tale, they too have grown older and wiser; as to whether
they survived the tale, only reading the novel will tell.